Jasmin's Character was about a middle-class Black American, who grew up in the suburbs, and went to a predominately white school. In my opinion, she believed that she was safe from racism due to her upbringing. I came to this conclusion when she stated that in the film. What the character fails to realize is that racists do not care how you grew up.
Now that's the truth. It does not matter your status in life, if someone doesn't like you because of the color of your skin there is nothing that will change that. Oprah had to learn that in Italy or France (it was one of those places lol)
And that was the issue with Liv. I think she didn’t like that Jasmine didn’t live in “my Blackness is my pain” bc she never experienced that & it was a shock for Liv bc she was literally dumbfounded & speechless when Jasmine spoke to her about that not being her experience when they discussed the grade. Liv I don’t think could wrap her head around it not being that hard for Jasmine unlike it was for her…if Liv/Elizabeth even is mixed… cause that still didn’t add up based on that picture the mom showed.
@@TheCRYSTALLURE Liv once said she got a brother and admitted her family no longer hers. She's the one who tormented Jasmine. Liv reminded some of us about that white lady who pretended to be a black lady and got exposed big time.
To your point about Liv; now that we know that she was cosplaying blackness, it's even more F*** up that Liv gave jasmine an F on her paper. Her basis was that Jasmine was unable to identify the "racism" in the Scarlett Letter, even though there wass NO racism in that book. It reminded me of white liberals who think they know, and understand racism more than actual black ppl who experience it first hand. The only way for Jasmine to get an A in that scenario (if she were to try), was to invent a racist troupe that didn't exist in that book. And this would've been all to appease a FRAUDULENT white person who was cosplaying blackness the whole time! The audacity of it all.
I didn’t see anyone mention the fact that as Liv was leaving the party at the end she had a black cloak and when she put the hood on her head she resembled the witch. I think it was a mystery because liv might have killed jasmine to get her tenure.
Nice call out! I noticed the cloak but didn't think anything of it! I'm not opposed to the idea of Jasmine being killed by Liv. But then does they mean Liv was the figure in the hallway in the scene after Jasmine was in the hospital?
Anyone who reads comments first...DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM. I want this lil hour and a half back. At one point Jasmine SEEMS like she's doing research on this witch...we get NOTHING. Then there's all these bells in the I guess "Slave Quarters" in the Black Master's house...we figure out NOTHING about that. We don't get the full story on Liv...it's pretty much left up to interpretation...and then the movie just ENDS. This is straight out of M. Knight Shamahahlahnanamnaha's book. BUILD UP....and INTRIGUE...bread crumbs and nuance...absolutely NO follow through. This movie made me so furious. I'm done with black trauma. I live it EVERY DAY. If we're making a horror movie as Sista Gurl said then lets do that. Nah...you just threw something together trying to make a buck off of the "black experience" and obviously didn't have no black people give you feedback before you released this film. Excited in the beginning and then you dropped ALL the balls. -rant over-
First of all M. Night Who?!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 And I absolutely agree with everything you said. I totally forgot Jasmine was "researching" the witch and uncovered nothing of substance. So many possibilities and ways this film could have addressed racism in this environment while also providing great horror and just didn't. And I don't know if I ever really understood if the witch was actually the First Black Student or if it was symbolism for racism and trauma but either way...boooooo lol Thank you for watching! 💕
I agree with this review. Jasmine was so difficult to like and understand and the editing was horrifying (maybe the only horrifying thing in the film). Her suicide was so strange and made zero sense. And Liv being white doesn't work either because the actor who played her is biracial. I went into the movie with a very open mind but it was a total letdown. Don't waste your time.
When Jasmine walked into her room & they were sitting on her bed, I paused the movie & looked at my husband like "I wish you would..." knowing damn well he wouldn't. I was so irritated by that I had to give somebody (anybody) "the look." 😂
Yes it was very disrespectful! And they didn’t even get off her bed when she walked in. This struck a nerve with me because this happened to me in college. I walked in to see people on my bed. One of the girls had on short shorts and her butt was on my pillow! They did move when I came in though . I had a talk with my roommate and it never happened again.
I met someone in college, she said she came back and her roomate had other ppl in her bed. Like I think full on sleeping ! She even looked like Jasmine too so I was like this is real real
I STOPPED MYSELF & looked to the WALL (cause no one was home lol). I was like Ikyfl! Absolutely NOT would that EVER happen in real life. And Jasmine had the nerve to go sit on the window???? Like wtf 😭😭😭🤣👊🏾
I love this new genre of films. It's a very creative way to depict black trauma. I love the intent but I agree this one wasn't done well. The character's weren't developed well for the audience
The Tyler character: He felt malicious at times, then didn't see him again after the kiss. Jasmine's disconnect from her family also left me wanting more information. Finally, Liv's backstory felt incomplete. I heard theories that she was tormenting Jasmine, but what would be her motive? What did I miss?
I just finished watching and I must say it was a waste of time! In the beginning I really thought it was going to be good, but I agree with a lot of people in this comment section that it was not a fully developed storyline; it had potential but it fell flat!
I just thought this film was a trauma bomb. No nuance or real means for conversation. It felt like.. “how can we traumatize this young black woman and no one not even her own mother or Black head master or Black professor will help her.” Every one is trying to make their own Get Out but Jordan Peele didn’t hit us with trauma porn he made a conversational masterpiece where the Black person got a chance to come out of it at the end.
Yes yes yes...Jordan Peele even changed the original ending of Get Out so there could be a "happy ending" for Chris. I really would love the Black Trauma trend to go away!
i think the Witch in the hallway was plunging the toilet, lol. it was very off-putting. But i agree, nothing really coalesced in this movie. There was some great acting though, i'd say 6 /10. Great review!
Plunging the toilet?!!! 😂😂😂 That is exactly what it looks like! The performances were pretty solid which made the struggle storyline even more infuriating. Thank you for watching!
Black girls Do live in the burbs. My best friend in HS was valedictorian, she’s black. It’s a put down to discredit her or anyone of color because they grow up in a nice lifestyle. Everyone comes from every background, but-- this plot line is Swiss 🧀!!
I really wanted this to be an actual horror film with an actual haunted school while trying to talk about the Black experience at a pwi. But they kept it mostly focused on the microaggressions and Blackfishing. I was bored from the start and had to force myself to finish it. Jazmine honestly had no personality and wasn't a well developed character at all. It was hard to root for her. I also didn't like Regina's character. I get she was meant to be that woman playing the game but she could've taken it further. I was more intrigued by Jaxmine's brief encounter with the Black woman working at the cafeteria than anything else. That moment was so relatable to me and I wish we'd had the opportunity to further explore that. I really thought we were going to see something interesting wth this concept and was really looking forward to it but was disappointed. And yes Liv was annoying. Her first scene in the film wth her whole outfit told me immediately she was cosplaying. I wish we'd gotten into that more. The horror elements really would've made this movie stand out more. Imagine exploring mivroahhs through the lens of Black woman instead a Black man like Get Out. I want someone else to give this haunted pwi concept a try. It could be good in the right hands. As it stands, the film was just an all around flop.
I definitely wanted there to be further explanation/exploration with the cafeteria worker. I hate that we never revisited that or maybe saw if Gail had the same experience. There was a lot left to be desired with this film
I read a comment someone said the look was like a “here we go again” like the cafeteria lady KNEW she was going to be targeted & at that point it’s just a normal reoccurrence..but why was that so normal? That’s the qtna. Cause why were Black Women the only ones k!lling themselves????
It was a really underwhelming movie! I really enjoyed how some of the horror scenes about micro agressions felt so uncomfortable and jarring, they felt poignant, but then they didn't contribute to any bigger picture as a whole? But as you well said, it's just more black people suffering p000! Are these scenes meant for white audiences to learn? Or meant for black girls to relate to? I feel there was no payoff at the end, and I was confused by all the dropped plotlines, and the twist just felt so... Odd and confusing too, what message was this movie trying to leave us with that? We never get to actually know the main character, Jasmine. And Gail and Liz were supposed to be close but it didn't really read like they had any intimacy or deep friendship throughout the movie. Felt like these two black women were pitted against each other instead of being on the same side. And neither of them supports the young black girl clearly struggling? The best we get is the other black student trying to invite her to the minority group but it's just that one scene that immediately gets used as an excuse to let the white girls be awful to her yet again! So we end the movie on this incredibly cynical note that feels so unnecessary and... Kinda icky? Young brilliant black girl dies, strong black woman gives up because nothing ever changes and "fake"-ish black woman gets her way-ish? I don't know, it doesn't feel right at all! There was a lot of potential, but ultimately, it wasn't well executed, I agree with you. I'm curious to see how Mariama's work evolves, regardless. Thank you for making this review, I wanted to listen to a black woman's perspective on this movie. Your video was on point and your channel needs way more subs!
I didn't even talk about how strange the relationship was between Gail and Liz but it definitely came off as forced. And Liz just getting away with Blackfishing was outrageous! This filmmaker could have done so much more with this story but just did not deliver. Thank you for watching!!! 💕💕
Are you black or identify as black ? I only ask because I like to know how other races feel about these topics. Yea the scenes with the white girls/ students taunting and making her feel uncomfortable was pointless because it didn't connect to anything else. This movie was very hard to watch and I'm just disappointed that nothing connected. When watching the trailer I thought Regina Hall was either going to be the killer or the villain in the movie or would the black students discover the villain. It was a cool concept just poorly executed.
I’m so glad that I found this video. You’re review hit the hammer on the nail, to me. I watched the movie from beginning to end, and yes I got all the elements being examined, the covert racism, microaggressionism, even the white girl using black pain for power gain, and of course the young black girl who understands racism but never really experienced it (because let’s be honest, black women don’t commit suicide over some dumb crap like racism). I just did not - DID NOT! - connect with this movie. It was like trying to figure out an abstract painting from an unknown artist. I did not like it and I hate that it really did have some good acting going on from many of its actors.
I watched this last night. You hit all the points. I thought Jasmine was the Final Girl - until she wasn't. Bad writing, bad characters, bad editing. But I like your channel. Subscribed.
I thought Jasmine was also going to be the final girl! I was hoping she would defeat the "witch" and break the "curse". I get why that didn't happen but it was still a whack decision
I was waiting for your review on this because there’s currently this sense amongst critics that any Black films discussing race that are produced/directed by Black people are unable to be critiqued. I’ve watched many reviews on this and was quite perplexed on people calling it “compelling, thought provoking” etc. I’m like, are watching the same film? It was absolute trash and it’s okay to say so, Black audiences deserve quality films just like the next. Regardless of the directors race, this was poorly done. There were three different plot lines in one film and none of them connected and nor did they finish ANY of them. Supernatural aspect…not finished. The ghost was Black but wanted to a attack a Black character? What were the races of other victims? The Blackfishing teacher…is she mixed race or no? This was never answered. Why would she target a Black student if she’s trying to be Black? The conversation around race in PWI’s is so nuanced and could’ve been way meatier. Also, why did the students and staff act like this was 1953 and Black students were a new thing. Why did the Black staff treat her negatively? Why did the other Black student not see her until the end? Why did the Masters just dismiss this crazy allegation at the party and continue drinking wine? Huh? Why did Regina hall just randomly decide to quit and walk off literally like nothing? The film was too busy trying to be so metaphoric that it lacked thought. I’m also conflicted about the opposition of displaying conversations about race in horror films. I feel there isn’t an issue because racism is never ending and it is horrific, if this genre is wanted as a way to confirm those thoughts in those who experience it, I welcome it as long as it’s done in a logical and intellectual manner. I don’t want racism fused horror to disappear, I want it done with tact. Stop copying Jordan Peele and be original, that’s the first step. Also, is calling tenured professors at colleges “Master” normal? I have multiple degrees and have never been anywhere where that title was used.
"There were three different plot lines in one film and none of them connected and nor did they finish ANY of them" this part right here! It was like Mariama had all these different concepts in her mind and none of them had enough substance to create one film, so she just threw it all together into one script. The film felt absolutely unfinished and rushed. And they really had 4 plotlines if you include the girl getting assaulted in the woods and then leaving the college. This film could have been an anthology style limited series on Prime and I would have maybe been able to look past some of the issues and that's a big maybe. I also can't get passed the fact that there were no consequences for anyone. And while I understand that this could have been intentional, it still doesn't make it any less dumb. Even the reaction from the cafeteria worker towards Jasmine was out of left field. I'm sure it was supposed to be an allegory about classism within the African American community but we didn't see that addressed at any other part of the film. It was just a poorly written, directed, and edited film and I don't understand why it is so hard for Black reviewers to see a bad movie for what it is regardless if the filmmaker is Black or not
@@SistaGurlonFilms this comment! Hit the nail on the head! I totally forgot about the roommates assault in the woods. W T F? I literally had trouble even deciphering what the insinuation was of what happened in the woods bc I don’t recall it ever being clearly stated. So you mean to tell me an assault is chosen to be carried out in the woods, at night, in snow? Why? Simple things like that could’ve had more reality mixed in with it. I like your explanation of the Black cafeteria workers bc I was still very lost on their disdain for the Black student. But yes, please keep the AUTHENTIC reviews of Black films especially coming. It seems that it’s hard to find genuine reviewers bc the consensus is that criticism prevents Black filmmakers from prospering. This is false, warranted criticism should encourage them to do better. Not sure if you covered any Tyler Perry films before but ALL of his productions fit this same criteria of just jumbled stereotypical nonsense and he’s deserving of consistent criticism. Black filmmakers are in need of criticism, especially when the criticism is not due to a financial constraint but purely the quality of the content. Keep up the great work! 🙌🏾
I thought they only called instructors Masters at the high school level. I think they probably did that for the race factor and slavery aspect. The movie wasn't very interesting and I was quite disappointed. Was Liv the professor who was pretending to be black just doing that so she could harm the black students , the white students just made annoying comments didn't really play much of a role in the movie or their effect on black students. This movie could have been so much better. The horror aspect wasn't even there and if and when it was it went by too quickly. I think people get inspired by people so it's ok to copy Jordan Peele but make sure it's a strong movie so it doesn't hurt the chances of other movies.
I started the film thinking “Who are these people?” and I finished with the same question, and am I the only one who believed this film to be satire up until Jasmine’s death?
Can we just get a film that’s horror, stars us, but doesn’t bring up race or slavery every 5 minutes? Like an updated “The Relic”, “Arachnophobia”, “Hellraiser”, or something? Just like “The Equalizer” stars Denzel in an action film. Just tired of that new Black film coming this summer called… you guessed it! “Snoop Dogg’s Deadly Chitlin Tales” or “Electric Slide” or “Slaving Away”… 🙄
I naively had hope that after Love Craft gave us a small glimpse of what a Black lead adventure film could look like with the "Indiana Jones" style episode they did but Hollywood not only ignored it but cancelled the show. I feel like this is such a small ask but continually gets ignored and we get movies like this or Karen 😒
I assumed the ghost of the other black girl who came to that school back in the 70's was murdered & was trying to get Jasmine to avenge her murder. Her death lead nowhere too.
Dead people don't return as ghosts nor hear us. That wasa demon or evil spirits probably dragged up by Liv who is a witch her own mother said got the devil in her. The way she failed Jasmine giving her a F made me see right through her.
Wish I saw your review before I was an hour and 10 minutes into this disaster. I then sought RUclips reviews to see if I was missing something deep because I was bored already and not connected to the characters in any way. This was a waste of Regina Hall's under-rated talent. I am happy she was working though.
Oh no! I'm sorry you wasted your time. You might find a video or two of someone breaking down the "symbolism" but honestly whatever you got from it was probably very accurate. Regina was definitely wasted in this film but I would love to see her in more dramas
This film was trying to be too many things and didn’t achieve any of them. Going between fantasy, bad Dreams, & hallucinations didn’t allow the viewer to know what was really going on. The way the movie ended tragically, , and the upbeat music that played at the end was example of how things just didn’t fit right in the movie.
I truly was excited to come across your RUclips video that explained my thoughts on the movie😃. I was confused and irritated while I watched the movie. I was waiting for a ghostly factor and the horror scare but found myself asking, 'where are we going?'. Will not be recommending this movie.
Exactly. And the more I talk about this film the more I notice that there were several horror cliches used for no good reason. Paranormal, The Occult, Dream Demons, Random Jump Scares...just a grab bag of horror cliches smh
I liked the movie in the beginning, granted I was pretty drunk when I started it, I came back to finish it the next day and it was okay. I feel like Jasmine’s death didn’t really shake me as much as I felt it should. I do like Jasmine’s character as soft spoken, very shy because I can relate to her in that aspect and I feel our stories matter but her character could’ve been developed a lot more. Anyways it’s good to watch while drunk lol.
I can see this being a good watch while under the influence of something lol! A lot of people have said the same thing about Jasmine's death and that really speaks to the lackluster character development in this film. We should have really been devastated by the death of the main protagonist but we were all just like..🤷🏾♀️ lol
In my opinion they ran out of real estate it’s only so many plots that you can fit into an 1hr 30 minute span. If you feel left hanging I think that was the intention . There is a lot of unfinished business in this film/world but that’s also real life. This virus(racism) never leaves it just reoccurs in a different strand with more resilience.
This movie stressed me out even more because my only daughter and youngest child is leaving for college this fall. 😪 💔 Having said that this movie made some points. Jasmine being picked on, yt people calling her everything but her first name. Seeing her have a good time, and surrounding her in the mosh pit to intimidate her like our ancestors were picked on and mobbed back in the day. The teacher picking on her and sucking up to the yt classmates. (I once had a teacher give me a c on a project back in the day just because I was making straight a's and she wasn't familiar with the animal). Yes i had to prove her wrong, she never apologized but she took me out for lunch at a restaurant...true story... The black lunch lady sucking up to the other students and having the crabs in the barrel attitude, wouldn't even speak to jasmine. I could go on and on, they hit some key points, but the movie was incomplete. Why tell us she was a sleepwalker if we couldn't tell when it was happening? Where was the full back story of the Salem Witch trial, and the young lady that died in room 302? Why was Regina hall being haunted? We needed full flash backs and they didn't give us that. At the end of the movie, I just figured it was either a reincarnation theme or one of those the more things change, the more they stay the same moments. The movie just seemed to demonize them and traumatize us...
This film is great if you study and understand The art of manipulation. The show THEM is great as well! I understand the offensiveness and I also see the beauty in the agony. 💪🏻💪🏿💪🏾💪🏽
I completely agree, this was a great film, and Them was a great show as well. The message of "its never going to change" should speak volumes. The reviews "Them" got from these black reviewers was absolutely sickening, because it had so many Gems in it
I thought the idea of the movie was cool, but i don’t think it was finished. I also think it just needed more help. At the end Gail’s friend had a black hood on like the witch. I don’t hear anyone mentioning that. Made me think she was the witch this whole time 🤔
Someone else in the comments mentioned Liv possibly being the witch the whole time which I didn't even consider while doing the review. I wouldn't have been mad if that was a twist revealed but then it would make me question so many of the things in this already convoluted story. And the fact that we are even left wondering if her in the hooded cape means she's the witch, annoys me so much! lol
I feel what you are saying. I just watched the movie. Although I did enjoy the tension build up, the payoff was poor. I did feel bad for Jasmine's character though. I felt she was relatable. I imagine a teenage girl in a new environment where she is very different would struggle with how to adapt appropriately. She might think " do i go off and risk being further isolated or should i be quiet and try to fit in". Sadly she chose the latter and it literally cost her her life. I do wonder that if this film was billed as a drama instead of horror, would people have watched it? Im beginning to feel that the horror genre is a means to make heavy topics more "palatable" to "mainstream" audiences. Overall i agree. Poor character development and confusing story on a very deep deep subject matter. I love your reviews ❤️
I agree! If this film would have been categorized as a drama, it would have been more palpable. Jasmine was definitely in a lose/lose situation. The one thing I did find interesting was that the other Black female student wasn't having the same experience, to our knowledge. I wonder if that was because she was sure of who she was and refused to assimilate into the Ivy League way of life?🤔 And why didn't we get further clarification on that?! See now I'm finding more things to be annoyed about 🤦🏾♀️😂😂
@@SistaGurlonFilms Wow, i didn't think of the other girls experience. She must have found herself. She was much more confident and sure of herself. Another thing that bugged me was that Jasmine had no interaction with her parents as a freshman away in college. My mom called me everyday sometimes twice a day 🤣. Thanks for responding. That means so much. Youve got a new sub now lol.
I know I’m commenting a lot but it’s categorized as Suspense • Drama • Horror now on Prime. Idk if it was just horror before but I just watched it today Jan 23’.
And this is not Amazon Prime's first time doing this! 'Them" was brutal to watch and I only made it to episode 2 and tapped out. This mess can be triggering and I don't get how anyone can find that entertaining
I'm convinced these type of movies (*Antebellum, Candyman reboot, Lovecraft Country*) are really just psychological warfare against black people. *If Nightmare on Elm St. gets rebooted, I have a feeling Nancy will be cast as black and they will write Freddy as a racist.*
Not racist Freddy!!!! 😂😂 I am tired of the Black Trauma horror films though. Just give us a good Slasher film with a Black cast that is made well without social commentary! I don't get why this is so hard to do
As a black immigrant living im America I feel very much less offended by these types of films. I actually enjoy them thoroughly and find them quite artistic especially when the black characters come out on top. In actually more traumatized by historically accurate or near accurate films on slavery or Jim Crow era. I'm left feeling angry and drained. Love Craft Country was amazing to me. My bf and I both enjoyed it. This film fell flat
Just finished watching this film. I loved it. I was uneasy throughout the entire film. I see your point about character development, but horror as a genre rarely has exceptional character development so it didn't bother me. As far as the critique of the Strong Black Woman trope I think the film addressed that directly at the end, when Gayle realized that she failed Jasmine by trying to instill "strength." I agree that the editing was choppy, but for me that added to the surrealism of the film. To be fair though, I watched this at 2 in the morning! Anyway, I loved it :-)
I get that the whole horror aspect of the movie was eluding to how the master (Gail) was saying that racism is like a ghost that you can't prove exists. I get it, but the movie needed an actual ghost or a villain lol. If there ain't no damn ghost and Liv ain't the killer then what are we doing. Black folks don't need an hour and a half long movie to tell us how racism plays with your psyche. We know that. I can't help but think about the director being non-ados and couple that with their tendency to download racism. I felt like she was telling us to get over it, It's all in your head.
Looooook!!!! You done said something! Now that you mention it, it definitely was giving "get over it" vibes! And I am happy that I am not the only one that felt like if it was supposed to be a horror/drama then there needs to be real horror elements. I saw where it was attempted but the execution was not there! The movie was trying to be elevated horror and although it wasn't elevated, it was definitely horrific lol
Great review I totally agree with you my biggest highlight of the movie was rooting for Jazmine to get hanged because I knew it was coming from when they said the last girl committed suicide. But on a heavier not I finally know we're the Clarence Thomases and the Candice Owens come from they start out just like Jazmine and the new first black slave master of the movie.
I was hoping the hanging wouldn't happen or at least would happen in a more suspenseful way but nope. And I agree, I can see how these types of environments can create some real issues with self hate in Black folks who are so desperate to be accepted by people who don't care the least bit about them
I agree with this synopsis. I do think the actresses did a great job and I can see where Diablo was trying to go. However, character development was non-existent. The editing in this film is a testament to how much it can make or break a movie. I thought the witch was doing a pop-lock and drop it
This movie tries so hard to be a Jordan Peele movie without his ability to deliver a tight knit script that pays off everything for the viewer. We just sit there and watch Jasmine get abused, then things turn for the worst, then we get an OK twist and a reveal that’s we all saw coming midway through the movie. What’s the whole point of this? If racism is everywhere, then is the movie saying we should all go to HBCUs? What about when ppl graduate? They were going for some “Scarlet Letter” allegories. They planted a lot of stuff but didn’t pay it off. We saw all the microaggressions coming, we feel bad for the two black women, but what else is there for the audience? DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (the movie) did a much better job of delving into racism at an elite college campus using comedy instead of horror.
Which was weird because she had enough temerity to challenge the F grade on her college paper! So I’m like ok she has some backbone. Why is she scared to speak up to these rude @$$ white kids on her bed/smoking in her room and being fetishized by the bully (cheating boyfriend of her roommate) 😮 And WTF was her blood family?! No parents checking on her at thanksgiving or anything?! No FaceTime or regular calls and they KNOW they baby is on a PWI🤯 things that don’t happen for $500 Alex! If you have black family and they love you and you’re attending a PWI, there’s NO way you’re NOT coming home for thanksgiving or a weekend or sometime with YOUR PEOPLE 🤦♂️
Is this at all close to the black experience in heavily white cultural situations??? If that’s the case, I’m truly horrified. Embarrassed for my ancestors and anyone who treats people like “Lesser”.
I appreciate the honesty. The way I see it, a bad movie is a bad movie. I watched this with a "mixed" crowd and I know for a fact they didn't like it too. They didn't say it because I was the only black guy there... lol... I thought it was hilarious... I knew some of them had strong opinions they held in. I'm used to this sort of situation because I'm often in it.
Saying everything I was thinking.. thank you, I was kinda relieved Jas died, thought it was gon pick up but no!.. ending really was like a slap in the face
Yea I was expecting the witch to turn on Gail and start hunting her or Jasmine to turn into the witch to show the real meaning of "the curse". There were so many missed opportunities for something amazing with this film
All of those are the point Gail is what Jasmine will turn into they are both trying to fit in in to be accepted at any cost and neither of them are strong they are both weak that is why Gail was chosen and that is why Jasmine crumbled as well as the fact that we didn't know anything about Jasmine's passed was because she made it that way she purposely cut her family off to be locked into that situation and that is why it happened
I won’t lie I wish jasmine had just went to the black heritage group really wanted to see what would un fold after the girl told her she was seeing things too and maybe help her to stick up more for herself
I appreciate that this movie looked at racism in a professional world and how it can impact women. There are a lot points where they could have been subtle or artistic but they went another direction.
It had lots of potential, the visuals were beautiful, and I see what they were trying to do. But I wish more was done with this movie. About to dive in on theories of who is Liv. Could tell in this movie there was pitying certain woc/black women against each other like uncle ruckus style. The Cafeteria lady and Liv. Liv was always bugging on Jasmine. I felt or believe I saw her smiling down on jasmines grave. She was happy her position wasn’t threatened no more. Liv decided to leave play a song with n words in there at an all white party. And at the end Liv had the witch’s cloak she put it all on and even the hood. Idk what Liv is truly but maybe she is the witch maybe she uncle ruckus therefore turned into witch-like (bad theory & against its message idk?) maybe she really a white women.
This movie was so uncomfortable to watch. Frankly I can’t IMAGINE watching as a person of color. Wow. Excellent review by the way and I agree with everything.
Honestly movies like this, at least for me, are very difficult to watch and exhausting. The conversation about racism and racial bias need to happen but not like this.
This movie was about history, economics, science, religion not black truma. President Clinton, Majorie Taylor Green, President Trump and many more were presented in this movie. The witch trials, Little Rock Nine and the first mission in Afghanistan was also revealed. So many people missed the photo in the library. Jane Ardent and Jane Goodall was also presented.
So we’re supposed to be this weak and passive?? Helll no hmmm I wonder Why they keep making movies like this? As a black woman I am Highly offended🤦🏾♀️ We need an Apology..
I wish I saw this review first. I thought this movie was going to be good and deep. Just another cash grab exploiting black trauma. So many plot holes that never got explained. And after the major scene with Jasmine 👀.... I was fuming. The movie is a waste. I'm so mad they dragged Regina Hall into this.
This was absolutely a cash grab exploiting black trauma! They could have done something great here but it was so lazy! I wonder how Regina Hall really feels about this role. I imagine she wanted to showcase her versatility as an actress but this was not the way to do it, unfortunately
@@SistaGurlonFilms the film was all over the place like that "queen and slim" movie. It seems like these non-American Blacks in Hollywood are cosplaying us and the results often fall flat. The ideas have a ton of potential, but the execution just isn't there.
@@SistaGurlonFilms it’s not thriller on the same level as this. I think of that movie because it kind of gives me Jordan Peele vibes, minus the horror aspect. But it still has enough levels of thrill. I also love the aesthetics. I recommend, and let me know your thoughts if you do watch it. It’s also on prime video.
I totally agree with you. I just saw the movie a few minutes ago and it's giving if wet laundry was a movie. 🧺 just lying there as a burden honey!! 😂😂😂😂I could not avoid thinking Rachael Dolezal at first glance of the professor. Thank you for commentary❤❤
Jasmin's Character was about a middle-class Black American, who grew up in the suburbs, and went to a predominately white school. In my opinion, she believed that she was safe from racism due to her upbringing. I came to this conclusion when she stated that in the film. What the character fails to realize is that racists do not care how you grew up.
Now that's the truth. It does not matter your status in life, if someone doesn't like you because of the color of your skin there is nothing that will change that. Oprah had to learn that in Italy or France (it was one of those places lol)
You can the 🌎ly knowledge and speak the valley talk, but they see right through that
What you just described sounds like an interesting movie…too bad hardly any of that was flushed out in THIS movie.
And that was the issue with Liv. I think she didn’t like that Jasmine didn’t live in “my Blackness is my pain” bc she never experienced that & it was a shock for Liv bc she was literally dumbfounded & speechless when Jasmine spoke to her about that not being her experience when they discussed the grade. Liv I don’t think could wrap her head around it not being that hard for Jasmine unlike it was for her…if Liv/Elizabeth even is mixed… cause that still didn’t add up based on that picture the mom showed.
@@TheCRYSTALLURE
Liv once said she got a brother and admitted her family no longer hers. She's the one who tormented Jasmine. Liv reminded some of us about that white lady who pretended to be a black lady and got exposed big time.
To your point about Liv; now that we know that she was cosplaying blackness, it's even more F*** up that Liv gave jasmine an F on her paper. Her basis was that Jasmine was unable to identify the "racism" in the Scarlett Letter, even though there wass NO racism in that book. It reminded me of white liberals who think they know, and understand racism more than actual black ppl who experience it first hand. The only way for Jasmine to get an A in that scenario (if she were to try), was to invent a racist troupe that didn't exist in that book. And this would've been all to appease a FRAUDULENT white person who was cosplaying blackness the whole time! The audacity of it all.
I didn’t see anyone mention the fact that as Liv was leaving the party at the end she had a black cloak and when she put the hood on her head she resembled the witch. I think it was a mystery because liv might have killed jasmine to get her tenure.
Nice call out! I noticed the cloak but didn't think anything of it! I'm not opposed to the idea of Jasmine being killed by Liv. But then does they mean Liv was the figure in the hallway in the scene after Jasmine was in the hospital?
That explains it. I saw it, but didn't process what it meant.
I agree but I don't like how it finish
I wondered if Liv killed her too to keep her job. Then it seemed like they went the supernatural route. It really was confusing.
My interpretation was that Liv was gaslighting the student and led her to that end.
Anyone who reads comments first...DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM. I want this lil hour and a half back. At one point Jasmine SEEMS like she's doing research on this witch...we get NOTHING. Then there's all these bells in the I guess "Slave Quarters" in the Black Master's house...we figure out NOTHING about that. We don't get the full story on Liv...it's pretty much left up to interpretation...and then the movie just ENDS. This is straight out of M. Knight Shamahahlahnanamnaha's book. BUILD UP....and INTRIGUE...bread crumbs and nuance...absolutely NO follow through. This movie made me so furious. I'm done with black trauma. I live it EVERY DAY. If we're making a horror movie as Sista Gurl said then lets do that. Nah...you just threw something together trying to make a buck off of the "black experience" and obviously didn't have no black people give you feedback before you released this film. Excited in the beginning and then you dropped ALL the balls. -rant over-
First of all M. Night Who?!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 And I absolutely agree with everything you said. I totally forgot Jasmine was "researching" the witch and uncovered nothing of substance. So many possibilities and ways this film could have addressed racism in this environment while also providing great horror and just didn't. And I don't know if I ever really understood if the witch was actually the First Black Student or if it was symbolism for racism and trauma but either way...boooooo lol
Thank you for watching! 💕
I am now one of the many who wihs they got that hour and a half back.
I agree with this review. Jasmine was so difficult to like and understand and the editing was horrifying (maybe the only horrifying thing in the film). Her suicide was so strange and made zero sense. And Liv being white doesn't work either because the actor who played her is biracial. I went into the movie with a very open mind but it was a total letdown. Don't waste your time.
When Jasmine walked into her room & they were sitting on her bed, I paused the movie & looked at my husband like "I wish you would..." knowing damn well he wouldn't. I was so irritated by that I had to give somebody (anybody) "the look." 😂
😂 Right! Somebody sitting on your bed that you don't know is so disrespectful!
Girlllll!!!! and I was like why are you smiling they are on your bed!!!!!
Yes it was very disrespectful! And they didn’t even get off her bed when she walked in. This struck a nerve with me because this happened to me in college. I walked in to see people on my bed. One of the girls had on short shorts and her butt was on my pillow! They did move when I came in though . I had a talk with my roommate and it never happened again.
I met someone in college, she said she came back and her roomate had other ppl in her bed. Like I think full on sleeping ! She even looked like Jasmine too so I was like this is real real
I STOPPED MYSELF & looked to the WALL (cause no one was home lol). I was like Ikyfl! Absolutely NOT would that EVER happen in real life. And Jasmine had the nerve to go sit on the window???? Like wtf 😭😭😭🤣👊🏾
As soon as I saw Regina clearing out those shelves that we’d be seeing a “Mammy” cookie jar- alluding to the previous tenants being heinous racists.
I love this new genre of films. It's a very creative way to depict black trauma. I love the intent but I agree this one wasn't done well. The character's weren't developed well for the audience
The Tyler character: He felt malicious at times, then didn't see him again after the kiss. Jasmine's disconnect from her family also left me wanting more information. Finally, Liv's backstory felt incomplete. I heard theories that she was tormenting Jasmine, but what would be her motive? What did I miss?
Cos Jasmine tried to get her fired duh do you not remember the movie?
I agree Regina Hall is underrated. And being this is the first movie I've seen her do outside of comedy I really wanted this to be good.
I just finished watching and I must say it was a waste of time! In the beginning I really thought it was going to be good, but I agree with a lot of people in this comment section that it was not a fully developed storyline; it had potential but it fell flat!
I just thought this film was a trauma bomb. No nuance or real means for conversation. It felt like.. “how can we traumatize this young black woman and no one not even her own mother or Black head master or Black professor will help her.” Every one is trying to make their own Get Out but Jordan Peele didn’t hit us with trauma porn he made a conversational masterpiece where the Black person got a chance to come out of it at the end.
Yes yes yes...Jordan Peele even changed the original ending of Get Out so there could be a "happy ending" for Chris. I really would love the Black Trauma trend to go away!
i think the Witch in the hallway was plunging the toilet, lol. it was very off-putting. But i agree, nothing really coalesced in this movie. There was some great acting though, i'd say 6 /10. Great review!
Plunging the toilet?!!! 😂😂😂 That is exactly what it looks like! The performances were pretty solid which made the struggle storyline even more infuriating. Thank you for watching!
Black girls Do live in the burbs. My best friend in HS was valedictorian, she’s black. It’s a put down to discredit her or anyone of color because they grow up in a nice lifestyle. Everyone comes from every background, but-- this plot line is Swiss 🧀!!
The witch in the hallway was CLEARLY jigging with her AirPods in 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
This movie really missed the mark. I’m surprised it was directed by a black woman.
I really wanted this to be an actual horror film with an actual haunted school while trying to talk about the Black experience at a pwi. But they kept it mostly focused on the microaggressions and Blackfishing. I was bored from the start and had to force myself to finish it.
Jazmine honestly had no personality and wasn't a well developed character at all. It was hard to root for her.
I also didn't like Regina's character. I get she was meant to be that woman playing the game but she could've taken it further. I was more intrigued by Jaxmine's brief encounter with the Black woman working at the cafeteria than anything else. That moment was so relatable to me and I wish we'd had the opportunity to further explore that.
I really thought we were going to see something interesting wth this concept and was really looking forward to it but was disappointed.
And yes Liv was annoying. Her first scene in the film wth her whole outfit told me immediately she was cosplaying. I wish we'd gotten into that more.
The horror elements really would've made this movie stand out more. Imagine exploring mivroahhs through the lens of Black woman instead a Black man like Get Out. I want someone else to give this haunted pwi concept a try. It could be good in the right hands.
As it stands, the film was just an all around flop.
I definitely wanted there to be further explanation/exploration with the cafeteria worker. I hate that we never revisited that or maybe saw if Gail had the same experience. There was a lot left to be desired with this film
I read a comment someone said the look was like a “here we go again” like the cafeteria lady KNEW she was going to be targeted & at that point it’s just a normal reoccurrence..but why was that so normal? That’s the qtna. Cause why were Black Women the only ones k!lling themselves????
It was a really underwhelming movie!
I really enjoyed how some of the horror scenes about micro agressions felt so uncomfortable and jarring, they felt poignant, but then they didn't contribute to any bigger picture as a whole? But as you well said, it's just more black people suffering p000! Are these scenes meant for white audiences to learn? Or meant for black girls to relate to?
I feel there was no payoff at the end, and I was confused by all the dropped plotlines, and the twist just felt so... Odd and confusing too, what message was this movie trying to leave us with that?
We never get to actually know the main character, Jasmine. And Gail and Liz were supposed to be close but it didn't really read like they had any intimacy or deep friendship throughout the movie. Felt like these two black women were pitted against each other instead of being on the same side. And neither of them supports the young black girl clearly struggling? The best we get is the other black student trying to invite her to the minority group but it's just that one scene that immediately gets used as an excuse to let the white girls be awful to her yet again!
So we end the movie on this incredibly cynical note that feels so unnecessary and... Kinda icky? Young brilliant black girl dies, strong black woman gives up because nothing ever changes and "fake"-ish black woman gets her way-ish? I don't know, it doesn't feel right at all!
There was a lot of potential, but ultimately, it wasn't well executed, I agree with you. I'm curious to see how Mariama's work evolves, regardless.
Thank you for making this review, I wanted to listen to a black woman's perspective on this movie. Your video was on point and your channel needs way more subs!
I didn't even talk about how strange the relationship was between Gail and Liz but it definitely came off as forced. And Liz just getting away with Blackfishing was outrageous! This filmmaker could have done so much more with this story but just did not deliver.
Thank you for watching!!! 💕💕
Are you black or identify as black ? I only ask because I like to know how other races feel about these topics. Yea the scenes with the white girls/ students taunting and making her feel uncomfortable was pointless because it didn't connect to anything else. This movie was very hard to watch and I'm just disappointed that nothing connected. When watching the trailer I thought Regina Hall was either going to be the killer or the villain in the movie or would the black students discover the villain. It was a cool concept just poorly executed.
I’m so glad that I found this video. You’re review hit the hammer on the nail, to me. I watched the movie from beginning to end, and yes I got all the elements being examined, the covert racism, microaggressionism, even the white girl using black pain for power gain, and of course the young black girl who understands racism but never really experienced it (because let’s be honest, black women don’t commit suicide over some dumb crap like racism). I just did not - DID NOT! - connect with this movie. It was like trying to figure out an abstract painting from an unknown artist. I did not like it and I hate that it really did have some good acting going on from many of its actors.
Yes!!! Them ON HER BED would have me SCREAMING!!
It was so disrespectful!
I watched this last night. You hit all the points. I thought Jasmine was the Final Girl - until she wasn't. Bad writing, bad characters, bad editing.
But I like your channel. Subscribed.
I thought Jasmine was also going to be the final girl! I was hoping she would defeat the "witch" and break the "curse". I get why that didn't happen but it was still a whack decision
I was waiting for your review on this because there’s currently this sense amongst critics that any Black films discussing race that are produced/directed by Black people are unable to be critiqued. I’ve watched many reviews on this and was quite perplexed on people calling it “compelling, thought provoking” etc. I’m like, are watching the same film? It was absolute trash and it’s okay to say so, Black audiences deserve quality films just like the next. Regardless of the directors race, this was poorly done. There were three different plot lines in one film and none of them connected and nor did they finish ANY of them.
Supernatural aspect…not finished. The ghost was Black but wanted to a attack a Black character? What were the races of other victims?
The Blackfishing teacher…is she mixed race or no? This was never answered. Why would she target a Black student if she’s trying to be Black?
The conversation around race in PWI’s is so nuanced and could’ve been way meatier. Also, why did the students and staff act like this was 1953 and Black students were a new thing.
Why did the Black staff treat her negatively? Why did the other Black student not see her until the end?
Why did the Masters just dismiss this crazy allegation at the party and continue drinking wine? Huh?
Why did Regina hall just randomly decide to quit and walk off literally like nothing?
The film was too busy trying to be so metaphoric that it lacked thought.
I’m also conflicted about the opposition of displaying conversations about race in horror films. I feel there isn’t an issue because racism is never ending and it is horrific, if this genre is wanted as a way to confirm those thoughts in those who experience it, I welcome it as long as it’s done in a logical and intellectual manner. I don’t want racism fused horror to disappear, I want it done with tact. Stop copying Jordan Peele and be original, that’s the first step.
Also, is calling tenured professors at colleges “Master” normal? I have multiple degrees and have never been anywhere where that title was used.
"There were three different plot lines in one film and none of them connected and nor did they finish ANY of them" this part right here! It was like Mariama had all these different concepts in her mind and none of them had enough substance to create one film, so she just threw it all together into one script. The film felt absolutely unfinished and rushed. And they really had 4 plotlines if you include the girl getting assaulted in the woods and then leaving the college. This film could have been an anthology style limited series on Prime and I would have maybe been able to look past some of the issues and that's a big maybe.
I also can't get passed the fact that there were no consequences for anyone. And while I understand that this could have been intentional, it still doesn't make it any less dumb. Even the reaction from the cafeteria worker towards Jasmine was out of left field. I'm sure it was supposed to be an allegory about classism within the African American community but we didn't see that addressed at any other part of the film.
It was just a poorly written, directed, and edited film and I don't understand why it is so hard for Black reviewers to see a bad movie for what it is regardless if the filmmaker is Black or not
@@SistaGurlonFilms this comment! Hit the nail on the head! I totally forgot about the roommates assault in the woods.
W T F?
I literally had trouble even deciphering what the insinuation was of what happened in the woods bc I don’t recall it ever being clearly stated. So you mean to tell me an assault is chosen to be carried out in the woods, at night, in snow? Why? Simple things like that could’ve had more reality mixed in with it.
I like your explanation of the Black cafeteria workers bc I was still very lost on their disdain for the Black student.
But yes, please keep the AUTHENTIC reviews of Black films especially coming. It seems that it’s hard to find genuine reviewers bc the consensus is that criticism prevents Black filmmakers from prospering. This is false, warranted criticism should encourage them to do better. Not sure if you covered any Tyler Perry films before but ALL of his productions fit this same criteria of just jumbled stereotypical nonsense and he’s deserving of consistent criticism. Black filmmakers are in need of criticism, especially when the criticism is not due to a financial constraint but purely the quality of the content.
Keep up the great work! 🙌🏾
Liv a witch
I thought they only called instructors Masters at the high school level. I think they probably did that for the race factor and slavery aspect. The movie wasn't very interesting and I was quite disappointed. Was Liv the professor who was pretending to be black just doing that so she could harm the black students , the white students just made annoying comments didn't really play much of a role in the movie or their effect on black students. This movie could have been so much better. The horror aspect wasn't even there and if and when it was it went by too quickly. I think people get inspired by people so it's ok to copy Jordan Peele but make sure it's a strong movie so it doesn't hurt the chances of other movies.
I started the film thinking “Who are these people?” and I finished with the same question, and am I the only one who believed this film to be satire up until Jasmine’s death?
It probably would have been better if it were satire
Just watched this movie in 2023 and it was 💩. All I wanted to do was pop off on them folk 😂!!!
😂😂 It was a mess!
🤭🤭
Can we just get a film that’s horror, stars us, but doesn’t bring up race or slavery every 5 minutes? Like an updated “The Relic”, “Arachnophobia”, “Hellraiser”, or something? Just like “The Equalizer” stars Denzel in an action film. Just tired of that new Black film coming this summer called… you guessed it! “Snoop Dogg’s Deadly Chitlin Tales” or “Electric Slide” or “Slaving Away”… 🙄
I naively had hope that after Love Craft gave us a small glimpse of what a Black lead adventure film could look like with the "Indiana Jones" style episode they did but Hollywood not only ignored it but cancelled the show. I feel like this is such a small ask but continually gets ignored and we get movies like this or Karen 😒
She was afraid of the people and she played it cool when they was in her room on her bed.
I assumed the ghost of the other black girl who came to that school back in the 70's was murdered & was trying to get Jasmine to avenge her murder. Her death lead nowhere too.
That was my initial thought too but then I felt like the witch was supposed to represent racism somehow. I don't know...it was too ambiguous for me
Dead people don't return as ghosts nor hear us. That wasa demon or evil spirits probably dragged up by Liv who is a witch her own mother said got the devil in her. The way she failed Jasmine giving her a F made me see right through her.
Jasmine's death killed the movie for me. But sadly, I didn't have much empathy for any of the characters.
Wish I saw your review before I was an hour and 10 minutes into this disaster. I then sought RUclips reviews to see if I was missing something deep because I was bored already and not connected to the characters in any way. This was a waste of Regina Hall's under-rated talent. I am happy she was working though.
Oh no! I'm sorry you wasted your time. You might find a video or two of someone breaking down the "symbolism" but honestly whatever you got from it was probably very accurate. Regina was definitely wasted in this film but I would love to see her in more dramas
This film was trying to be too many things and didn’t achieve any of them. Going between fantasy, bad Dreams, & hallucinations didn’t allow the viewer to know what was really going on. The way the movie ended tragically, , and the upbeat music that played at the end was example of how things just didn’t fit right in the movie.
At least I got to watch a movie with a black woman wearing her natural hair
Maybe could've done better as a mini or limited series, which is what i thought it was at 1st
I truly was excited to come across your RUclips video that explained my thoughts on the movie😃.
I was confused and irritated while I watched the movie. I was waiting for a ghostly factor and the horror scare but found myself asking, 'where are we going?'. Will not be recommending this movie.
Exactly. And the more I talk about this film the more I notice that there were several horror cliches used for no good reason. Paranormal, The Occult, Dream Demons, Random Jump Scares...just a grab bag of horror cliches smh
I liked the movie in the beginning, granted I was pretty drunk when I started it, I came back to finish it the next day and it was okay. I feel like Jasmine’s death didn’t really shake me as much as I felt it should. I do like Jasmine’s character as soft spoken, very shy because I can relate to her in that aspect and I feel our stories matter but her character could’ve been developed a lot more. Anyways it’s good to watch while drunk lol.
I can see this being a good watch while under the influence of something lol! A lot of people have said the same thing about Jasmine's death and that really speaks to the lackluster character development in this film. We should have really been devastated by the death of the main protagonist but we were all just like..🤷🏾♀️ lol
In my opinion they ran out of real estate it’s only so many plots that you can fit into an 1hr 30 minute span. If you feel left hanging I think that was the intention . There is a lot of unfinished business in this film/world but that’s also real life. This virus(racism) never leaves it just reoccurs in a different strand with more resilience.
Great review! You helped me put some things in perspective. I feel like this was a Jordan Peele knock off for sure and could’ve been done much better.
Thank you for watching!
This movie stressed me out even more because my only daughter and youngest child is leaving for college this fall. 😪 💔
Having said that this movie made some points. Jasmine being picked on, yt people calling her everything but her first name. Seeing her have a good time, and surrounding her in the mosh pit to intimidate her like our ancestors were picked on and mobbed back in the day.
The teacher picking on her and sucking up to the yt classmates. (I once had a teacher give me a c on a project back in the day just because I was making straight a's and she wasn't familiar with the animal). Yes i had to prove her wrong, she never apologized but she took me out for lunch at a restaurant...true story...
The black lunch lady sucking up to the other students and having the crabs in the barrel attitude, wouldn't even speak to jasmine.
I could go on and on, they hit some key points, but the movie was incomplete. Why tell us she was a sleepwalker if we couldn't tell when it was happening? Where was the full back story of the Salem Witch trial, and the young lady that died in room 302? Why was Regina hall being haunted?
We needed full flash backs and they didn't give us that. At the end of the movie, I just figured it was either a reincarnation theme or one of those the more things change, the more they stay the same moments.
The movie just seemed to demonize them and traumatize us...
This film is great if you study and understand The art of manipulation. The show THEM is great as well! I understand the offensiveness and I also see the beauty in the agony. 💪🏻💪🏿💪🏾💪🏽
I couldn't make it past Episode 2 of Them, that was too much for me.
I completely agree, this was a great film, and Them was a great show as well. The message of "its never going to change" should speak volumes. The reviews "Them" got from these black reviewers was absolutely sickening, because it had so many Gems in it
Somethings not right in your head if you see the beauty in agony in those films
I thought the idea of the movie was cool, but i don’t think it was finished. I also think it just needed more help. At the end Gail’s friend had a black hood on like the witch. I don’t hear anyone mentioning that. Made me think she was the witch this whole time 🤔
Someone else in the comments mentioned Liv possibly being the witch the whole time which I didn't even consider while doing the review. I wouldn't have been mad if that was a twist revealed but then it would make me question so many of the things in this already convoluted story. And the fact that we are even left wondering if her in the hooded cape means she's the witch, annoys me so much! lol
@@SistaGurlonFilms Lol yes movie definitely all over the place!
I thought it was good. But just barely good. It has great parts, great pieces, but they're put together poorly or undermined or walked back too often.
I feel what you are saying. I just watched the movie. Although I did enjoy the tension build up, the payoff was poor. I did feel bad for Jasmine's character though. I felt she was relatable. I imagine a teenage girl in a new environment where she is very different would struggle with how to adapt appropriately. She might think " do i go off and risk being further isolated or should i be quiet and try to fit in". Sadly she chose the latter and it literally cost her her life. I do wonder that if this film was billed as a drama instead of horror, would people have watched it? Im beginning to feel that the horror genre is a means to make heavy topics more "palatable" to "mainstream" audiences. Overall i agree. Poor character development and confusing story on a very deep deep subject matter. I love your reviews ❤️
I agree! If this film would have been categorized as a drama, it would have been more palpable. Jasmine was definitely in a lose/lose situation. The one thing I did find interesting was that the other Black female student wasn't having the same experience, to our knowledge. I wonder if that was because she was sure of who she was and refused to assimilate into the Ivy League way of life?🤔 And why didn't we get further clarification on that?! See now I'm finding more things to be annoyed about 🤦🏾♀️😂😂
@@SistaGurlonFilms Wow, i didn't think of the other girls experience. She must have found herself. She was much more confident and sure of herself. Another thing that bugged me was that Jasmine had no interaction with her parents as a freshman away in college. My mom called me everyday sometimes twice a day 🤣. Thanks for responding. That means so much. Youve got a new sub now lol.
I know I’m commenting a lot but it’s categorized as Suspense • Drama • Horror now on Prime. Idk if it was just horror before but I just watched it today Jan 23’.
I’ve been repeating no more black trauma vids on comments for awhile now. I think ppl are starting to say no more and we will not watch it 👍🏽💡💡
Atleast there’s some good representation movies coming up without that 👍🏽
And this is not Amazon Prime's first time doing this! 'Them" was brutal to watch and I only made it to episode 2 and tapped out. This mess can be triggering and I don't get how anyone can find that entertaining
@@SistaGurlonFilms Agreed. They ain’t making Holocaust movies twice a year ! 💡💡🎯🎯
I'm convinced these type of movies (*Antebellum, Candyman reboot, Lovecraft Country*) are really just psychological warfare against black people. *If Nightmare on Elm St. gets rebooted, I have a feeling Nancy will be cast as black and they will write Freddy as a racist.*
Not racist Freddy!!!! 😂😂 I am tired of the Black Trauma horror films though. Just give us a good Slasher film with a Black cast that is made well without social commentary! I don't get why this is so hard to do
As a black immigrant living im America I feel very much less offended by these types of films. I actually enjoy them thoroughly and find them quite artistic especially when the black characters come out on top. In actually more traumatized by historically accurate or near accurate films on slavery or Jim Crow era. I'm left feeling angry and drained. Love Craft Country was amazing to me. My bf and I both enjoyed it. This film fell flat
Just finished watching this film. I loved it. I was uneasy throughout the entire film. I see your point about character development, but horror as a genre rarely has exceptional character development so it didn't bother me. As far as the critique of the Strong Black Woman trope I think the film addressed that directly at the end, when Gayle realized that she failed Jasmine by trying to instill "strength." I agree that the editing was choppy, but for me that added to the surrealism of the film.
To be fair though, I watched this at 2 in the morning!
Anyway, I loved it :-)
I loved it too.
I get that the whole horror aspect of the movie was eluding to how the master (Gail) was saying that racism is like a ghost that you can't prove exists. I get it, but the movie needed an actual ghost or a villain lol. If there ain't no damn ghost and Liv ain't the killer then what are we doing. Black folks don't need an hour and a half long movie to tell us how racism plays with your psyche. We know that. I can't help but think about the director being non-ados and couple that with their tendency to download racism. I felt like she was telling us to get over it, It's all in your head.
Looooook!!!! You done said something! Now that you mention it, it definitely was giving "get over it" vibes! And I am happy that I am not the only one that felt like if it was supposed to be a horror/drama then there needs to be real horror elements. I saw where it was attempted but the execution was not there! The movie was trying to be elevated horror and although it wasn't elevated, it was definitely horrific lol
Great review I totally agree with you my biggest highlight of the movie was rooting for Jazmine to get hanged because I knew it was coming from when they said the last girl committed suicide. But on a heavier not I finally know we're the Clarence Thomases and the Candice Owens come from they start out just like Jazmine and the new first black slave master of the movie.
I was hoping the hanging wouldn't happen or at least would happen in a more suspenseful way but nope. And I agree, I can see how these types of environments can create some real issues with self hate in Black folks who are so desperate to be accepted by people who don't care the least bit about them
I agree with this synopsis. I do think the actresses did a great job and I can see where Diablo was trying to go. However, character development was non-existent. The editing in this film is a testament to how much it can make or break a movie. I thought the witch was doing a pop-lock and drop it
Not pop lock and drop it 😂😂 that is hilarious!!!
Editing will absolutely make or break a movie. Sometimes I pay too much attention to it lol
This movie tries so hard to be a Jordan Peele movie without his ability to deliver a tight knit script that pays off everything for the viewer. We just sit there and watch Jasmine get abused, then things turn for the worst, then we get an OK twist and a reveal that’s we all saw coming midway through the movie.
What’s the whole point of this? If racism is everywhere, then is the movie saying we should all go to HBCUs? What about when ppl graduate? They were going for some “Scarlet Letter” allegories. They planted a lot of stuff but didn’t pay it off. We saw all the microaggressions coming, we feel bad for the two black women, but what else is there for the audience?
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE (the movie) did a much better job of delving into racism at an elite college campus using comedy instead of horror.
Jasmine never dealt with adversity… she was a weak spirit and did what she did at the end.
Which was weird because she had enough temerity to challenge the F grade on her college paper! So I’m like ok she has some backbone. Why is she scared to speak up to these rude @$$ white kids on her bed/smoking in her room and being fetishized by the bully (cheating boyfriend of her roommate) 😮
And WTF was her blood family?! No parents checking on her at thanksgiving or anything?! No FaceTime or regular calls and they KNOW they baby is on a PWI🤯 things that don’t happen for $500 Alex! If you have black family and they love you and you’re attending a PWI, there’s NO way you’re NOT coming home for thanksgiving or a weekend or sometime with YOUR PEOPLE 🤦♂️
Is this at all close to the black experience in heavily white cultural situations??? If that’s the case, I’m truly horrified. Embarrassed for my ancestors and anyone who treats people like “Lesser”.
I appreciate the honesty. The way I see it, a bad movie is a bad movie. I watched this with a "mixed" crowd and I know for a fact they didn't like it too. They didn't say it because I was the only black guy there... lol... I thought it was hilarious... I knew some of them had strong opinions they held in. I'm used to this sort of situation because I'm often in it.
I know you wanted to be like "I know you didn't like it, it's ok you can say it" lol
lol... I did... and there were awkward uneasy chuckles all around @@SistaGurlonFilms
Saying everything I was thinking.. thank you, I was kinda relieved Jas died, thought it was gon pick up but no!.. ending really was like a slap in the face
Yea I was expecting the witch to turn on Gail and start hunting her or Jasmine to turn into the witch to show the real meaning of "the curse". There were so many missed opportunities for something amazing with this film
Absolute Excellent Job commenting and reviewing this movie, I connect with every, single thing you said. Great Job.
All of those are the point Gail is what Jasmine will turn into they are both trying to fit in in to be accepted at any cost and neither of them are strong they are both weak that is why Gail was chosen and that is why Jasmine crumbled as well as the fact that we didn't know anything about Jasmine's passed was because she made it that way she purposely cut her family off to be locked into that situation and that is why it happened
Your review is the best and 100% on point....bottom line, this movie was straight garbage.
Thank you!! I wanted to give it a chance because it's written and directed by a Black Woman but I had to be honest
I won’t lie I wish jasmine had just went to the black heritage group really wanted to see what would un fold after the girl told her she was seeing things too and maybe help her to stick up more for herself
Exactly!!! Maybe because I didn't go to an Ivy League school but I just did not understand Jasmine's decision making at all
I appreciate that this movie looked at racism in a professional world and how it can impact women. There are a lot points where they could have been subtle or artistic but they went another direction.
It had lots of potential, the visuals were beautiful, and I see what they were trying to do. But I wish more was done with this movie. About to dive in on theories of who is Liv.
Could tell in this movie there was pitying certain woc/black women against each other like uncle ruckus style. The Cafeteria lady and Liv.
Liv was always bugging on Jasmine.
I felt or believe I saw her smiling down on jasmines grave. She was happy her position wasn’t threatened no more.
Liv decided to leave play a song with n words in there at an all white party.
And at the end Liv had the witch’s cloak she put it all on and even the hood. Idk what Liv is truly but maybe she is the witch maybe she uncle ruckus therefore turned into witch-like (bad theory & against its message idk?) maybe she really a white women.
This movie was so uncomfortable to watch. Frankly I can’t IMAGINE watching as a person of color. Wow.
Excellent review by the way and I agree with everything.
Honestly movies like this, at least for me, are very difficult to watch and exhausting. The conversation about racism and racial bias need to happen but not like this.
@@SistaGurlonFilms exactly! Who is this movie for exactly. I do not understand.
This movie was about history, economics, science, religion not black truma. President Clinton, Majorie Taylor Green, President Trump and many more were presented in this movie. The witch trials, Little Rock Nine and the first mission in Afghanistan was also revealed. So many people missed the photo in the library. Jane Ardent and Jane Goodall was also presented.
So we’re supposed to be this weak and passive?? Helll no hmmm I wonder Why they keep making movies like this? As a black woman I am Highly offended🤦🏾♀️ We need an Apology..
Thank You for the save. I just found myself struggling with this.
Thank you for watching!!
I wish I saw this review first. I thought this movie was going to be good and deep. Just another cash grab exploiting black trauma. So many plot holes that never got explained. And after the major scene with Jasmine 👀.... I was fuming. The movie is a waste. I'm so mad they dragged Regina Hall into this.
This was absolutely a cash grab exploiting black trauma! They could have done something great here but it was so lazy! I wonder how Regina Hall really feels about this role. I imagine she wanted to showcase her versatility as an actress but this was not the way to do it, unfortunately
The director is non FBA so there's that
How do you think that impacted them making this film? That's an interesting observation
@@SistaGurlonFilms the film was all over the place like that "queen and slim" movie. It seems like these non-American Blacks in Hollywood are cosplaying us and the results often fall flat. The ideas have a ton of potential, but the execution just isn't there.
Thank you for sharing your POV. It's not one that I've considered before but I can see where you're come from for sure!
This made me want to watch Selah and The Spades lol
I've never heard of it...should I go watch it?? (I'm scared lol)
@@SistaGurlonFilms it’s not thriller on the same level as this. I think of that movie because it kind of gives me Jordan Peele vibes, minus the horror aspect. But it still has enough levels of thrill. I also love the aesthetics. I recommend, and let me know your thoughts if you do watch it. It’s also on prime video.
Movie was way to racist it was sickening
love this review !!! agree 110%!!
Thank you for watching!! 💕
I didn’t clock that she said it with the hard ER at the end of “house n--*
I think I heard it because I was suspicious of her anyway so I was paying attention to everything she was doing
@@SistaGurlonFilms it gave very much Rachel Dolezal from the start like you said 😂😂
maybe she saying all these colleges our really wick
You are so right about the movie 🎬 🤮💩🙈
That part got me feet in the bed!!!!
Manipulation is powerful!
movie was terrible
Amazing review tysm💙
Thank you for watching!
Spot on!
Agree, agree, agree
Thank you for watching!
This movie was trash!!!
It definitely is not one of the years best lol
I totally agree with you. I just saw the movie a few minutes ago and it's giving if wet laundry was a movie. 🧺 just lying there as a burden honey!! 😂😂😂😂I could not avoid thinking Rachael Dolezal at first glance of the professor. Thank you for commentary❤❤
"If wet laundry was a movie" is hilarious and accurate! 😂😂😂 Thank you for watching!
Thank you! That the name, I couldn't remember in one of my posts.